1 00:00:01,266 --> 00:00:02,409 {\an8}[Desiree] Oh! 2 00:00:02,433 --> 00:00:04,443 {\an8}- [Mike] Oh, wow. - I think Noelle would love this. 3 00:00:04,467 --> 00:00:06,142 {\an8}[narrator] Single mom Desiree wants out 4 00:00:06,166 --> 00:00:08,743 {\an8}of her three bedroom rental in Toms River, New Jersey, 5 00:00:08,767 --> 00:00:11,500 {\an8}to buy a house of her own where she'll finally have enough space 6 00:00:11,567 --> 00:00:13,100 {\an8}for herself and her three children. 7 00:00:13,166 --> 00:00:16,076 {\an8}[Desiree] What about if that was all living room 8 00:00:16,100 --> 00:00:17,743 {\an8}and this was the kitchen? 9 00:00:17,767 --> 00:00:19,300 {\an8}You're taking that kitchen out anyway. 10 00:00:19,367 --> 00:00:20,543 {\an8}You have winning lottery numbers? 11 00:00:20,567 --> 00:00:21,743 {\an8}[narrator] She's enlisted the help 12 00:00:21,767 --> 00:00:23,800 {\an8}of her boyfriend, Mike, who's a carpenter, 13 00:00:23,867 --> 00:00:25,743 {\an8}but since he knows the cost and headaches 14 00:00:25,767 --> 00:00:27,076 {\an8}involved in renovation, 15 00:00:27,100 --> 00:00:29,142 {\an8}he thinks she should go with move-in ready. 16 00:00:29,166 --> 00:00:31,000 {\an8}It's just... It's very plain. 17 00:00:31,367 --> 00:00:33,543 {\an8}- I'm not... I'm not... - Look, there's not a wall falling down. 18 00:00:33,567 --> 00:00:37,076 {\an8}[narrator] But she insists on something historic with character. 19 00:00:37,100 --> 00:00:38,242 {\an8}[Desiree] This is really amazing. 20 00:00:38,266 --> 00:00:40,000 {\an8}It just... It has a lack of cabinets. 21 00:00:40,066 --> 00:00:42,843 {\an8}I don't know how they functioned in here. 22 00:00:42,867 --> 00:00:43,800 {\an8}[Mike] Newer homes have 23 00:00:43,867 --> 00:00:45,443 {\an8}bigger kitchens and open concepts. 24 00:00:45,467 --> 00:00:46,810 {\an8}Huh! 25 00:00:46,834 --> 00:00:49,242 {\an8}[Desiree] But they don't look lived in. There's no charm. 26 00:00:49,266 --> 00:00:50,467 {\an8}I want both. 27 00:00:51,967 --> 00:00:52,800 [doorbell chiming] 28 00:00:52,867 --> 00:00:54,567 [opening theme music playing] 29 00:01:07,700 --> 00:01:09,300 We're gonna have French toast, okay? 30 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:11,443 [River cooing] 31 00:01:11,467 --> 00:01:12,467 Does that sound good? 32 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:13,500 Yes? 33 00:01:13,567 --> 00:01:14,676 Yeah. 34 00:01:14,700 --> 00:01:16,042 {\an8}[Desiree] Being a single mom is challenging, 35 00:01:16,066 --> 00:01:18,943 {\an8}but it's also rewarding at the same time. 36 00:01:18,967 --> 00:01:20,142 I have three children. 37 00:01:20,166 --> 00:01:22,343 A 15-year-old daughter, her name's Noelle. 38 00:01:22,367 --> 00:01:24,443 I have 5-year-old daughter, Violet. 39 00:01:24,467 --> 00:01:26,600 And River, who's one. 40 00:01:26,667 --> 00:01:27,667 Come sit down, honey. 41 00:01:28,467 --> 00:01:30,076 I'm a legal assistant. 42 00:01:30,100 --> 00:01:31,540 I've been saving for a few years now. 43 00:01:32,166 --> 00:01:34,743 This is the first home that I'm purchasing myself, 44 00:01:34,767 --> 00:01:36,142 so I'm currently renting, 45 00:01:36,166 --> 00:01:38,443 and after work, you know, it's very chaotic. 46 00:01:38,467 --> 00:01:39,500 We come home, 47 00:01:39,567 --> 00:01:41,142 the little ones are all over the place, 48 00:01:41,166 --> 00:01:42,643 their toys are all over the living room. 49 00:01:42,667 --> 00:01:45,000 The two little ones have to share their bedroom. 50 00:01:45,066 --> 00:01:48,400 I would love to give my children a nice yard, 51 00:01:48,467 --> 00:01:50,500 a big enough space for them to enjoy themselves. 52 00:01:50,567 --> 00:01:52,242 I don't want them to live on top of each other, 53 00:01:52,266 --> 00:01:53,443 like we have been. 54 00:01:53,467 --> 00:01:55,643 I want them to enjoy their childhood. 55 00:01:55,667 --> 00:01:56,967 {\an8}Smells good. 56 00:01:58,300 --> 00:02:01,000 {\an8}Mike is a friend of over 25 years. 57 00:02:01,667 --> 00:02:03,242 {\an8}We went to high school together. 58 00:02:03,266 --> 00:02:06,500 {\an8}We reconnected awhile back. 59 00:02:06,567 --> 00:02:07,943 - I forgot the sausage. - [River yelps] 60 00:02:07,967 --> 00:02:08,643 [Mike] No meat? 61 00:02:08,667 --> 00:02:09,787 [Desiree chuckling] No meat. 62 00:02:10,100 --> 00:02:10,800 Sorry. 63 00:02:10,867 --> 00:02:12,042 - I'm leaving. - [chuckles] 64 00:02:12,066 --> 00:02:13,843 Mike is a ballbuster. 65 00:02:13,867 --> 00:02:16,200 He has teased me since I was 14 years old. 66 00:02:16,266 --> 00:02:18,200 It's nothing new. I'm used to it. 67 00:02:18,266 --> 00:02:20,643 We have really playful banter. 68 00:02:20,667 --> 00:02:22,443 [Violet] I want some in my mouth like that! 69 00:02:22,467 --> 00:02:23,467 [chuckles] 70 00:02:27,166 --> 00:02:27,944 [giggles] 71 00:02:27,968 --> 00:02:29,367 Do you want some? Open your mouth. 72 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:31,000 [all chuckling] 73 00:02:31,166 --> 00:02:32,800 Mike is a carpenter for a living, 74 00:02:32,867 --> 00:02:37,300 so his knowledge and expertise will really help me 75 00:02:37,367 --> 00:02:39,443 feel confident in buying a home. 76 00:02:39,467 --> 00:02:42,142 I know what I like, but I'm a dreamer. 77 00:02:42,166 --> 00:02:45,343 I like to base my decisions off of feelings, 78 00:02:45,367 --> 00:02:48,242 and Mike is logical, so he keeps me grounded. 79 00:02:48,266 --> 00:02:52,076 {\an8}So, you're set on a historic house. 80 00:02:52,100 --> 00:02:54,142 {\an8}[Desiree] I would prefer a historic house. 81 00:02:54,166 --> 00:02:54,977 {\an8}[River coos] 82 00:02:55,001 --> 00:02:57,200 {\an8}What's the benefit to that? 83 00:02:57,266 --> 00:03:00,200 {\an8}I want something that has the original hardwood floors. 84 00:03:00,266 --> 00:03:01,266 {\an8}Something with character. 85 00:03:01,767 --> 00:03:03,543 {\an8}I need something that feels lived-in. 86 00:03:03,567 --> 00:03:05,242 {\an8}Well, if you're talking about, 87 00:03:05,266 --> 00:03:06,900 {\an8}you know, downtown Toms River, 88 00:03:06,967 --> 00:03:08,142 and you're talking about that area, 89 00:03:08,166 --> 00:03:11,242 chances are is that there are hardwood, you know... 90 00:03:11,266 --> 00:03:13,343 - Yeah. - under God knows how many layers 91 00:03:13,367 --> 00:03:15,543 of linoleum, and carpet... 92 00:03:15,567 --> 00:03:16,843 Well, that's where you come in. 93 00:03:16,867 --> 00:03:17,767 [chuckles sarcastically] 94 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:20,042 [Mike] I work six days a week already. 95 00:03:20,066 --> 00:03:23,242 You have me for, maybe, a singular project. 96 00:03:23,266 --> 00:03:25,976 {\an8}The other aspect of getting 97 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:27,443 {\an8}a historic home, and an older home, 98 00:03:27,467 --> 00:03:31,000 {\an8}is that it is a constant upkeep. 99 00:03:31,567 --> 00:03:35,643 {\an8}What are you looking at in range of price? 100 00:03:35,667 --> 00:03:37,743 {\an8}I can go up to $350,000 101 00:03:37,767 --> 00:03:39,800 {\an8}if I don't have to put any money into it, 102 00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:42,443 {\an8}but I would like to stay at $300,000. 103 00:03:42,467 --> 00:03:44,343 {\an8}[Mike] Okay, so what are the priorities, then? 104 00:03:44,367 --> 00:03:46,042 {\an8}A must is they have to have their own room. 105 00:03:46,066 --> 00:03:48,242 {\an8}Her toys wouldn't be all over the living room 106 00:03:48,266 --> 00:03:49,876 {\an8}if she had her own room. 107 00:03:49,900 --> 00:03:52,943 {\an8}- [Mike] Mmm-hmm. - But I'm not going to give up on some of the things I want, 108 00:03:52,967 --> 00:03:54,900 {\an8}like, I would love a main bath. 109 00:03:54,967 --> 00:03:56,327 {\an8}[Mike] Two-bath would be paramount. 110 00:03:56,367 --> 00:03:57,807 {\an8}You gotta get out of where you're at. 111 00:03:57,867 --> 00:03:59,142 {\an8}The house is definitely too small. 112 00:03:59,166 --> 00:04:01,000 But I'm not going to jump into something else 113 00:04:01,266 --> 00:04:02,000 just to leave. 114 00:04:02,066 --> 00:04:03,142 I need to love it. 115 00:04:03,166 --> 00:04:04,233 Okay. 116 00:04:07,367 --> 00:04:09,142 Do you want me to be like the GPS, where I give you, 117 00:04:09,166 --> 00:04:10,843 like, little warnings? "You're approaching..." 118 00:04:10,867 --> 00:04:11,744 - No, uh... - [both chuckle] 119 00:04:11,768 --> 00:04:13,142 I think, if you were the GPS... 120 00:04:13,166 --> 00:04:15,643 -"...in a quarter mile..." - "Recalculating. Recalculating." 121 00:04:15,667 --> 00:04:17,267 - [laughs] - Constantly. "Recalculating." 122 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:20,900 {\an8}[narrator] First up is a 1960s ranch. 123 00:04:20,967 --> 00:04:22,843 {\an8}Not the historical charmer she wants, 124 00:04:22,867 --> 00:04:26,142 {\an8}but it has four bedrooms and minimal projects. 125 00:04:26,166 --> 00:04:28,000 {\an8}I love the black shutters. 126 00:04:28,066 --> 00:04:29,643 {\an8}- [Mike] You like the black. - [Desiree] I do. 127 00:04:29,667 --> 00:04:31,000 {\an8}And I love the black door. 128 00:04:31,467 --> 00:04:33,743 - It's nice. - And is this real cedar? 129 00:04:33,767 --> 00:04:34,744 [Mike] It's not. 130 00:04:34,768 --> 00:04:36,242 - Are you sure? - [Mike] I'm positive. 131 00:04:36,266 --> 00:04:37,409 - What's up, Lise? - [Lisa] Hi, guys! 132 00:04:37,433 --> 00:04:38,643 - [Desiree] Hi. - [Lisa] What are you talking about? 133 00:04:38,667 --> 00:04:40,443 [Desiree] The siding. It looks like real cedar, doesn't it? 134 00:04:40,467 --> 00:04:42,943 [Mike] Well, that's the intended purpose. 135 00:04:42,967 --> 00:04:44,033 It's nice, though. 136 00:04:44,066 --> 00:04:45,000 - [Desiree] It's very nice. - It's a very nice house. 137 00:04:45,066 --> 00:04:47,700 Desiree does desire an older home. 138 00:04:47,767 --> 00:04:49,700 {\an8}This would be a perfect house for Desiree, 139 00:04:49,767 --> 00:04:50,644 {\an8}because it would be 140 00:04:50,668 --> 00:04:52,142 {\an8}the less-maintenance way to go. 141 00:04:52,166 --> 00:04:53,700 {\an8}It is fully updated, 142 00:04:53,767 --> 00:04:55,242 {\an8}and being a single mom myself, 143 00:04:55,266 --> 00:04:57,300 {\an8}looking for a home for my family, 144 00:04:57,367 --> 00:04:58,843 {\an8}I would always look for a home 145 00:04:58,867 --> 00:05:00,743 {\an8}that I didn't have to do too much work to. 146 00:05:00,767 --> 00:05:01,000 {\an8}Oh! 147 00:05:01,767 --> 00:05:02,700 {\an8}Well, this is nice. 148 00:05:02,767 --> 00:05:03,876 {\an8}[Desiree] Hardwood. 149 00:05:03,900 --> 00:05:05,042 {\an8}[Lisa] Your hardwood floors, that you love. 150 00:05:05,066 --> 00:05:05,843 {\an8}[Desiree] Very nice. 151 00:05:05,867 --> 00:05:06,844 It's really bright, 152 00:05:06,868 --> 00:05:08,743 and there's a lot of space in here, 153 00:05:08,767 --> 00:05:10,242 but it's lacking character. 154 00:05:10,266 --> 00:05:13,743 Well, you could add character by doing a chair rail. 155 00:05:13,767 --> 00:05:15,343 [Desiree] Right, but it wouldn't be original. 156 00:05:15,367 --> 00:05:16,567 It would be fake. 157 00:05:17,066 --> 00:05:18,066 [chuckles] 158 00:05:18,767 --> 00:05:19,767 [Mike] That's nice. 159 00:05:20,367 --> 00:05:22,076 Okay. Don't love it. 160 00:05:22,100 --> 00:05:24,242 Everything is very sterile in here. 161 00:05:24,266 --> 00:05:26,042 - What if you changed the backsplash? - Okay... 162 00:05:26,066 --> 00:05:27,843 - Or not even the backsplash. - No, I like the subway tile. 163 00:05:27,867 --> 00:05:29,543 You could change the upper cabinets, 164 00:05:29,567 --> 00:05:31,000 and put color in the upper cabinets, 165 00:05:31,667 --> 00:05:33,343 - and have the cabinets go to the ceiling. - And, like, this. 166 00:05:33,367 --> 00:05:34,943 -What is this? Is this gloss? -This is relaminating. 167 00:05:34,967 --> 00:05:36,343 - What is this? - It's relaminated. 168 00:05:36,367 --> 00:05:38,127 [Desiree] I mean, they look like they're wet. 169 00:05:38,166 --> 00:05:39,142 [chuckling] They do look like they're wet. 170 00:05:39,166 --> 00:05:40,042 [Desiree] They look like they're wet. 171 00:05:40,066 --> 00:05:41,066 And 172 00:05:41,667 --> 00:05:43,200 these two doors are upside down. 173 00:05:43,266 --> 00:05:44,043 Are they really? 174 00:05:44,067 --> 00:05:46,400 [chuckling] Oh, my God, they are! 175 00:05:46,467 --> 00:05:47,410 Look at that, 176 00:05:47,434 --> 00:05:48,943 - with the arch on the bottom. - [Lisa] Wow. 177 00:05:48,967 --> 00:05:50,242 [Desiree sighing] Oh, it's funny. 178 00:05:50,266 --> 00:05:51,976 It's very narrow. 179 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:54,000 Would you open that wall? 180 00:05:54,066 --> 00:05:56,000 {\an8}[sighs] Yeah, because I would want to be able 181 00:05:56,066 --> 00:05:58,643 {\an8}to see the kids from the kitchen. 182 00:05:58,667 --> 00:06:00,343 [Lisa] So, here is your main bath. 183 00:06:00,367 --> 00:06:01,000 [Desiree] Okay. 184 00:06:01,266 --> 00:06:03,000 [Lisa] It's also gray. 185 00:06:03,066 --> 00:06:05,600 This house has three bedrooms upstairs. 186 00:06:05,667 --> 00:06:07,000 [Desiree] I really like this room. 187 00:06:07,066 --> 00:06:08,242 This would be good for Noelle. 188 00:06:08,266 --> 00:06:10,100 Is this the bigger of the three? 189 00:06:10,166 --> 00:06:11,100 [Lisa] This is the bigger of the three. 190 00:06:11,166 --> 00:06:12,242 Would this be the main? 191 00:06:12,266 --> 00:06:14,400 [Lisa] This would be one of the main rooms, 192 00:06:14,467 --> 00:06:16,076 but there is another room downstairs 193 00:06:16,100 --> 00:06:17,643 - that we're gonna go take a look at. - [Desiree] Okay. 194 00:06:17,667 --> 00:06:20,142 I like the double windows over here. 195 00:06:20,166 --> 00:06:21,300 It's just... 196 00:06:21,367 --> 00:06:23,076 It's very plain. 197 00:06:23,100 --> 00:06:24,077 - You know? - [Lisa] It's not "Desiree." 198 00:06:24,101 --> 00:06:25,409 No. 199 00:06:25,433 --> 00:06:27,242 - I'm not... I'm not... - And there's not a wall falling down. 200 00:06:27,266 --> 00:06:28,243 She wants problems. 201 00:06:28,267 --> 00:06:29,343 I don't want problems. 202 00:06:29,367 --> 00:06:30,543 - She wants problems. - I just... I want charm. 203 00:06:30,567 --> 00:06:31,847 Desiree has not had an easy life, 204 00:06:33,767 --> 00:06:35,543 you know, being a single mom, 205 00:06:35,567 --> 00:06:37,242 she's, you know, got three kids. 206 00:06:37,266 --> 00:06:40,643 I've tried to implore her to look at newer homes, 207 00:06:40,667 --> 00:06:43,700 things that don't need as much maintenance, 208 00:06:43,767 --> 00:06:45,800 but, you know, her big thing is always character. 209 00:06:45,867 --> 00:06:48,200 This could be another bedroom. 210 00:06:48,266 --> 00:06:50,142 It's a really nice-sized bedroom, 211 00:06:50,166 --> 00:06:52,643 - but there aren't any windows. - Right. 212 00:06:52,667 --> 00:06:54,443 -That's... That's a little inconvenient. -It is a basement. 213 00:06:54,467 --> 00:06:56,242 I bet you Noelle would want to be here. 214 00:06:56,266 --> 00:06:57,810 - Noelle would, probably. - Yeah. 215 00:06:57,834 --> 00:06:59,543 - She would love the pit. - She would probably love that there's no windows. 216 00:06:59,567 --> 00:07:01,287 -No windows. No room-darkening shades. -Yeah. 217 00:07:01,367 --> 00:07:02,143 Just a pit. 218 00:07:02,167 --> 00:07:03,400 Yeah. She would love that. 219 00:07:03,467 --> 00:07:04,467 - Yep. - Okay. 220 00:07:05,066 --> 00:07:08,142 So, you have another living space here, 221 00:07:08,166 --> 00:07:10,343 - with a built-in bar. - [Desiree] Okay. That's fun. 222 00:07:10,367 --> 00:07:11,344 [chuckles] 223 00:07:11,368 --> 00:07:12,543 World's shortest bartender. 224 00:07:12,567 --> 00:07:14,076 [both laugh] 225 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:14,900 What can I get you? 226 00:07:14,967 --> 00:07:16,343 Why are you so low? 227 00:07:16,367 --> 00:07:18,800 It's not me. It's the bar that's too tall. 228 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:23,076 [Lisa] You have your own private bathroom down here. 229 00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:24,367 This bathroom's huge. 230 00:07:25,100 --> 00:07:26,500 I like the downstairs 231 00:07:26,567 --> 00:07:27,910 [chuckling] better than the upstairs. 232 00:07:27,934 --> 00:07:29,543 - I would spend most of my... - You would never leave, down here. 233 00:07:29,567 --> 00:07:31,127 I would spend most of my time down here. 234 00:07:31,266 --> 00:07:33,343 {\an8}But I would... Could you add a window 235 00:07:33,367 --> 00:07:34,743 {\an8}- to that other bedroom down here? - [Mike] Yeah. 236 00:07:34,767 --> 00:07:36,343 {\an8}[Lisa] Sure, and make this your own space, 237 00:07:36,367 --> 00:07:37,443 {\an8}'cause you wanted your space. 238 00:07:37,467 --> 00:07:38,476 - Keep the whole downstairs. - Yeah. 239 00:07:38,500 --> 00:07:40,600 - [Desiree chuckles] - [Mike] Desiree's pub. 240 00:07:40,667 --> 00:07:42,142 - [Lisa and Mike chuckle] - This would be fun, though. 241 00:07:42,166 --> 00:07:43,367 But this is cool. 242 00:07:47,867 --> 00:07:50,242 [Lisa] So what do you think of this? It's all fenced in. 243 00:07:50,266 --> 00:07:52,000 [Desiree] This is nice. It's big. 244 00:07:52,066 --> 00:07:53,443 I could let the kids out in the backyard 245 00:07:53,467 --> 00:07:54,300 while I'm in the kitchen, 246 00:07:54,367 --> 00:07:55,743 and I wouldn't even have to worry. 247 00:07:55,767 --> 00:07:56,843 [Lisa] Easy maintenance. 248 00:07:56,867 --> 00:07:57,600 [Desiree] Yeah. 249 00:07:57,667 --> 00:07:58,867 I do love the backyard. 250 00:08:02,166 --> 00:08:03,543 I do love the basement. 251 00:08:03,567 --> 00:08:07,200 Making it, pretty much, my whole level would be great. 252 00:08:07,266 --> 00:08:09,100 The kitchen definitely was disappointing. 253 00:08:09,166 --> 00:08:11,700 I think I would absolutely have to open this up somehow. 254 00:08:11,767 --> 00:08:13,643 The price is a little high. 255 00:08:13,667 --> 00:08:17,000 It's in a good neighborhood. You have a huge backyard. 256 00:08:17,066 --> 00:08:19,943 And you could do all these things piecemeal, 257 00:08:19,967 --> 00:08:21,142 here and there. 258 00:08:21,166 --> 00:08:23,076 It has a lack of charm. 259 00:08:23,100 --> 00:08:25,042 It's just a lot higher than I wanted to end up, 260 00:08:25,066 --> 00:08:29,743 for something I don't walk in and absolutely love. 261 00:08:29,767 --> 00:08:31,967 [narrator] Since older charm is so important to Desiree, 262 00:08:32,367 --> 00:08:35,343 next up is the ultimate vintage charmer. 263 00:08:35,367 --> 00:08:37,242 [Desiree] I love the porch. 264 00:08:37,266 --> 00:08:38,343 Oh, look. 265 00:08:38,367 --> 00:08:39,344 Is that the doorbell? 266 00:08:39,368 --> 00:08:40,808 - [rings bell] - That's the doorbell. 267 00:08:40,867 --> 00:08:43,227 - [Desiree and Mike chuckle] - [Desiree] That's really cool! 268 00:08:50,166 --> 00:08:52,343 - Oh, we should see if the antique store's open. - No, we shouldn't. 269 00:08:52,367 --> 00:08:53,242 - Yeah, we should. - No. 270 00:08:53,266 --> 00:08:54,100 Let's look in the window. 271 00:08:54,166 --> 00:08:55,242 - [Mike] No, it's... - Shh. 272 00:08:55,266 --> 00:08:56,843 Let's look in the window. 273 00:08:56,867 --> 00:08:58,643 {\an8}[narrator] Desiree loves everything vintage, 274 00:08:58,667 --> 00:09:01,600 {\an8}so now she's finally getting to see what she really wants, 275 00:09:01,667 --> 00:09:03,200 {\an8}a 100-year old charmer. 276 00:09:03,266 --> 00:09:04,042 {\an8}[Mike] It's a colonial? 277 00:09:04,066 --> 00:09:05,000 Yeah. 278 00:09:05,066 --> 00:09:06,200 What year? 279 00:09:06,266 --> 00:09:08,343 1920s, it says. 280 00:09:08,367 --> 00:09:09,407 - 1920s. - Okay. [chuckles] 281 00:09:10,300 --> 00:09:12,076 [chuckling] You're gonna love it, aren't you? 282 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:13,467 Oh, yeah, I'm gonna love it. 283 00:09:17,667 --> 00:09:18,343 {\an8}[Lisa] Hey, guys! 284 00:09:18,367 --> 00:09:19,100 [Mike] What's up, Lise? 285 00:09:19,166 --> 00:09:20,242 - [Desiree] Hi. - How are you? 286 00:09:20,266 --> 00:09:21,943 [Desiree] I love the porch. 287 00:09:21,967 --> 00:09:24,076 I don't love the blue, though. 288 00:09:24,100 --> 00:09:25,643 Why not? It's so beachy. 289 00:09:25,667 --> 00:09:26,976 [Desiree] It's not my favorite. 290 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:27,944 [Mike] I like it. 291 00:09:27,968 --> 00:09:29,042 [Desiree] You would. 292 00:09:29,066 --> 00:09:30,600 "You would." [chuckles] 293 00:09:30,667 --> 00:09:32,042 - But that breeze is nice, too. - [Desiree] It's really nice. 294 00:09:32,066 --> 00:09:32,944 Yeah. 295 00:09:32,968 --> 00:09:34,076 Oh, look. 296 00:09:34,100 --> 00:09:35,077 Is that the doorbell? 297 00:09:35,101 --> 00:09:36,541 - [rings bell] - That's the doorbell. 298 00:09:36,567 --> 00:09:38,443 - [Desiree and Mike chuckle] - [Desiree] That's really cool! 299 00:09:38,467 --> 00:09:39,900 It does need a lot of work, 300 00:09:40,467 --> 00:09:41,509 a lot of upgrading. 301 00:09:41,533 --> 00:09:43,443 However, there were some major upgrades 302 00:09:43,467 --> 00:09:44,467 along the way. 303 00:09:44,734 --> 00:09:47,800 A new roof, electrical, plumbing has been upgraded, 304 00:09:47,867 --> 00:09:48,900 so that's a plus. 305 00:09:48,967 --> 00:09:50,976 However, it only has three bedrooms 306 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:52,443 and one and a half baths. 307 00:09:52,467 --> 00:09:53,343 {\an8}This house... 308 00:09:53,367 --> 00:09:54,344 {\an8}Oh, wow! 309 00:09:54,368 --> 00:09:55,643 {\an8}[Lisa] You're going to find this one 310 00:09:55,667 --> 00:09:56,800 {\an8}a little more spacious. 311 00:09:56,867 --> 00:09:57,976 {\an8}[Desiree] It's big. 312 00:09:58,000 --> 00:09:59,343 Nice set of stairs. 313 00:09:59,367 --> 00:10:01,100 [Lisa] Really nice. 314 00:10:01,166 --> 00:10:03,242 - It's nice wood. - I wonder if these are coming in or out? 315 00:10:03,266 --> 00:10:04,843 [Mike] Well, they're in, now. 316 00:10:04,867 --> 00:10:07,300 Possession is nine-tenths? [chuckles] 317 00:10:07,367 --> 00:10:08,242 [Lisa] I'll find out. 318 00:10:08,266 --> 00:10:09,266 [Desiree] It's bright. 319 00:10:09,900 --> 00:10:11,343 It feels welcoming. 320 00:10:11,367 --> 00:10:12,543 - This living room... - [Mike] It's a big living room. 321 00:10:12,567 --> 00:10:13,543 [Desiree] ...it's huge. 322 00:10:13,567 --> 00:10:14,927 You can fit your entire first floor 323 00:10:15,867 --> 00:10:17,242 - in the living room. - I know I could. 324 00:10:17,266 --> 00:10:19,100 I think I need a bigger couch. 325 00:10:19,166 --> 00:10:21,042 - [chuckling] I think you need three bigger couches. - Hey, it's gonna... 326 00:10:21,066 --> 00:10:22,643 [Lisa] There are so many original elements 327 00:10:22,667 --> 00:10:24,242 in this house that you have to really look at. 328 00:10:24,266 --> 00:10:25,266 Look at all the detail, 329 00:10:25,700 --> 00:10:26,577 and the wood. 330 00:10:26,601 --> 00:10:28,500 You got a stained glass window up there. 331 00:10:28,567 --> 00:10:29,400 [Desiree] Ooh! 332 00:10:29,467 --> 00:10:30,200 The floors are great. 333 00:10:30,266 --> 00:10:31,600 Are the floors original? 334 00:10:31,667 --> 00:10:32,667 They have to be. 335 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:34,400 Hard pine floors? 336 00:10:34,467 --> 00:10:35,843 [Desiree] They need to be redone, though. 337 00:10:35,867 --> 00:10:36,934 {\an8}Look at them. 338 00:10:36,967 --> 00:10:40,142 {\an8}Yeah, but this could sand and finish really nice. 339 00:10:40,166 --> 00:10:42,743 {\an8}I wasn't expecting it to be this open... 340 00:10:42,767 --> 00:10:44,000 - Right. - For an older home. 341 00:10:44,166 --> 00:10:45,643 [Mike] I mean, it's even a big dining room. 342 00:10:45,667 --> 00:10:46,600 [Desiree] It is. 343 00:10:46,667 --> 00:10:48,107 [Mike] They're all-new vinyl windows. 344 00:10:48,667 --> 00:10:49,943 That's a plus. 345 00:10:49,967 --> 00:10:51,843 I'm assuming that's the kitchen. 346 00:10:51,867 --> 00:10:54,142 [Lisa] The kitchen has a lot of original elements. 347 00:10:54,166 --> 00:10:56,142 There's a built-in pantry here. 348 00:10:56,166 --> 00:10:57,110 This is where I think 349 00:10:57,134 --> 00:10:58,743 your refrigerator might have been. 350 00:10:58,767 --> 00:10:59,677 [Desiree] Okay. 351 00:10:59,701 --> 00:11:01,900 Then, you have this hutch that's original. 352 00:11:01,967 --> 00:11:03,400 [Desiree] Oh, that's beautiful! 353 00:11:03,467 --> 00:11:04,800 This is really amazing. 354 00:11:04,867 --> 00:11:06,300 [Mike] This sink, obviously. 355 00:11:06,367 --> 00:11:08,643 [Lisa] This sink is an original... 356 00:11:08,667 --> 00:11:09,577 [Desiree] Wow. 357 00:11:09,601 --> 00:11:10,743 [Lisa] ...and so, it has the old elements 358 00:11:10,767 --> 00:11:11,843 - of what you're looking for? - It does. 359 00:11:11,867 --> 00:11:13,643 It just... It has a lack of cabinets, 360 00:11:13,667 --> 00:11:15,787 so I feel like there's really not much to the kitchen. 361 00:11:16,867 --> 00:11:18,300 Like, I want it to be open. 362 00:11:18,367 --> 00:11:21,200 {\an8}[Lisa] This is an older home, and with older homes, 363 00:11:21,266 --> 00:11:23,543 {\an8}they're not as upgraded, and you're gonna have to take 364 00:11:23,567 --> 00:11:24,600 {\an8}the good with the bad. 365 00:11:24,667 --> 00:11:27,242 I don't know how they functioned in here. 366 00:11:27,266 --> 00:11:28,900 I need to be able to see the kids, 367 00:11:28,967 --> 00:11:30,900 and hear the kids, when I'm cooking. 368 00:11:30,967 --> 00:11:32,543 [Mike] Newer homes have bigger kitchens 369 00:11:32,567 --> 00:11:34,142 - and open concepts. - Huh! 370 00:11:34,166 --> 00:11:37,343 But they don't look lived-in. There's no charm. 371 00:11:37,367 --> 00:11:38,876 - I want, I want... - [Mike] Well, this certainly looks lived-in, 372 00:11:38,900 --> 00:11:40,976 -for a hundred years. -[Desiree] I want both. [chuckling] I want both. 373 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,500 - [Mike mutters] - I want both. 374 00:11:42,567 --> 00:11:43,667 [Mike] Okay. 375 00:11:48,500 --> 00:11:50,943 [Lisa] So, we have three bedrooms upstairs. 376 00:11:50,967 --> 00:11:53,343 To the right is the primary bedroom. 377 00:11:53,367 --> 00:11:56,242 -Very spacious. - [Desiree] Oh, my God. It's huge! 378 00:11:56,266 --> 00:11:57,643 [Lisa] Large closets. 379 00:11:57,667 --> 00:11:59,443 [Desiree] It's very bright in here too, just like downstairs. 380 00:11:59,467 --> 00:12:01,743 [Lisa] Yes, and you do have new windows, also. 381 00:12:01,767 --> 00:12:03,300 This is a big room. 382 00:12:03,367 --> 00:12:05,242 - This is really... - How many bedrooms did you say it was? 383 00:12:05,266 --> 00:12:08,743 This one has three. I know she's looking for four. 384 00:12:08,767 --> 00:12:11,976 But, you have an ability to possibly split this. 385 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:13,042 There's your fourth. 386 00:12:13,066 --> 00:12:14,626 [Desiree] You think we'd have the space? 387 00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:17,300 - It wouldn't make it feel too tiny? - [Mike] I think if that part 388 00:12:17,367 --> 00:12:19,643 of the room was yours, and you split this room 389 00:12:19,667 --> 00:12:21,743 between the closet and the entry... 390 00:12:21,767 --> 00:12:22,600 [Desiree] Hmm. 391 00:12:22,667 --> 00:12:24,076 I don't see why that 392 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:25,443 - couldn't be a little child's room. - [Lisa] Mmm-hmm. 393 00:12:25,467 --> 00:12:26,843 [Desiree] How much would that cost? 394 00:12:26,867 --> 00:12:27,967 Maybe $1,500. 395 00:12:28,500 --> 00:12:29,543 Okay. 396 00:12:29,567 --> 00:12:31,543 There's no main bath here, right? 397 00:12:31,567 --> 00:12:32,433 No main bath? 398 00:12:32,467 --> 00:12:34,543 [Lisa] There is one bathroom upstairs. 399 00:12:34,567 --> 00:12:36,500 This does not have its own bathroom. 400 00:12:37,500 --> 00:12:39,400 That's a big downside, 401 00:12:39,467 --> 00:12:40,400 'cause that was, you know, 402 00:12:40,467 --> 00:12:42,000 one of the things that I really wanted. 403 00:12:42,066 --> 00:12:43,743 [Lisa] You have the possibility to make 404 00:12:43,767 --> 00:12:44,847 a main bath, down the road. 405 00:12:45,467 --> 00:12:47,367 Would there be room to do that? 406 00:12:47,967 --> 00:12:49,142 There's always room. 407 00:12:49,166 --> 00:12:50,343 It depends on how much money 408 00:12:50,367 --> 00:12:51,543 you want to throw at something. 409 00:12:51,567 --> 00:12:54,266 It's a labor of love, old houses. 410 00:12:59,667 --> 00:13:01,743 [Lisa] This leads to the outside. 411 00:13:01,767 --> 00:13:03,509 Look at the size of this yard! 412 00:13:03,533 --> 00:13:06,700 - There is so much room for the kids to play back here. - [Lisa] Huge yard. 413 00:13:06,767 --> 00:13:08,443 [Mike] It is a decent-sized backyard. 414 00:13:08,467 --> 00:13:10,467 - [Lisa] This is very large. - [Desiree] It's huge. 415 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:14,600 I love that it's built in the 1920s. 416 00:13:16,166 --> 00:13:17,643 It's exactly what I was looking for. 417 00:13:17,667 --> 00:13:19,843 It has so much history, 418 00:13:19,867 --> 00:13:21,142 but offers, you know, 419 00:13:21,166 --> 00:13:23,843 open floor plan downstairs, which is not something 420 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:25,543 you normally find in an older home. 421 00:13:25,567 --> 00:13:26,700 There's only three beds. 422 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:29,042 I really did want four. 423 00:13:29,066 --> 00:13:30,543 And there's only one and a half baths. 424 00:13:30,567 --> 00:13:32,000 I don't want this wall here. 425 00:13:32,066 --> 00:13:33,743 I need to be able to see the kids, 426 00:13:33,767 --> 00:13:34,910 for when I'm in the kitchen. 427 00:13:34,934 --> 00:13:37,400 I think that the sellers are motivated with this house, 428 00:13:37,467 --> 00:13:39,443 - so we'll work on that. - [Desiree] That's a plus. 429 00:13:39,467 --> 00:13:40,444 [Lisa] That's a plus. 430 00:13:40,468 --> 00:13:42,643 That would definitely free up some funds 431 00:13:42,667 --> 00:13:44,627 to do the things that you would want to have done, 432 00:13:45,266 --> 00:13:46,900 but with historic houses, 433 00:13:46,967 --> 00:13:48,242 it's a lot of work, 434 00:13:48,266 --> 00:13:50,543 and whether or not you're willing to do it 435 00:13:50,567 --> 00:13:52,567 is solely up to you. 436 00:13:54,767 --> 00:13:56,076 [narrator] So, Lisa's found a place 437 00:13:56,100 --> 00:13:57,700 that's newer, and more affordable, 438 00:13:57,767 --> 00:14:00,543 and with spacious bedrooms for the kids. 439 00:14:00,567 --> 00:14:02,343 [Desiree] I think this would work for the kids. 440 00:14:02,367 --> 00:14:05,142 Well, there's three bedrooms, so each kid would get 441 00:14:05,166 --> 00:14:06,376 - their own bedroom... - Mmm-hmm. 442 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:07,843 - which is... - Which is exactly what I was looking for. 443 00:14:07,867 --> 00:14:09,467 - One of the boxes. - Which is the goal. 444 00:14:18,700 --> 00:14:20,242 {\an8}[narrator] Desiree is now seeing a house 445 00:14:20,266 --> 00:14:22,667 {\an8}on the lower end of what she's willing to spend. 446 00:14:25,900 --> 00:14:27,743 {\an8}[Desiree] I like the siding. 447 00:14:27,767 --> 00:14:29,343 {\an8}- [Mike] The cedar impressions? - Yeah. 448 00:14:29,367 --> 00:14:30,200 {\an8}- [Mike] What's up, Lise? - Hey, guys! 449 00:14:30,266 --> 00:14:32,242 {\an8}- [Desiree] Hey! - Come on in. 450 00:14:32,266 --> 00:14:34,743 {\an8}-It's busy. It's busy out here. -It's a very busy street, 451 00:14:34,767 --> 00:14:36,500 {\an8}but this house has the features 452 00:14:36,567 --> 00:14:37,576 {\an8}you were looking for. 453 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:39,343 {\an8}It has four bedrooms, it has two baths, 454 00:14:39,367 --> 00:14:41,443 {\an8}and it is in your price range. 455 00:14:41,467 --> 00:14:43,387 Needs a little TLC, but that's why we bring Mike. 456 00:14:44,567 --> 00:14:46,943 I like the floors. What is this? 457 00:14:46,967 --> 00:14:48,967 - It looks like wood. - That's that wood look tile. 458 00:14:49,567 --> 00:14:50,444 [Desiree] Like ceramic tile? 459 00:14:50,468 --> 00:14:51,543 - [Lisa] It's tile or wood? - [Mike] Yes. 460 00:14:51,567 --> 00:14:52,567 No, it's tile. 461 00:14:52,900 --> 00:14:53,900 I like it. 462 00:14:54,467 --> 00:14:55,576 The floor? 463 00:14:55,600 --> 00:14:57,042 [Desiree] Yeah. I like the floors. I like the color. 464 00:14:57,066 --> 00:14:58,643 The bay window's really nice. 465 00:14:58,667 --> 00:14:59,943 It's a little tight in here, though. 466 00:14:59,967 --> 00:15:03,700 I don't know where I would put my furniture, or the TV. 467 00:15:03,767 --> 00:15:05,443 I like the '70s mirror. 468 00:15:05,467 --> 00:15:06,900 [Desiree] The mirror's not bad. 469 00:15:06,967 --> 00:15:08,242 So, it appears you have an area 470 00:15:08,266 --> 00:15:09,743 for an eating area over here. 471 00:15:09,767 --> 00:15:10,843 [Desiree] Okay. 472 00:15:10,867 --> 00:15:12,000 [Mike] I mean, it's big. 473 00:15:12,033 --> 00:15:13,209 [Desiree] Yeah, there's a lot of counter space 474 00:15:13,233 --> 00:15:14,843 - on this side, especially. - [Mike] Yeah. 475 00:15:14,867 --> 00:15:17,200 [Desiree] Do you think you could take this wall out 476 00:15:17,266 --> 00:15:19,042 to make the living room larger? 477 00:15:19,066 --> 00:15:22,076 [Mike] You could, but you would have to transplant 478 00:15:22,100 --> 00:15:25,242 {\an8}those two to an opposite wall. 479 00:15:25,266 --> 00:15:26,300 {\an8}Maybe over there. 480 00:15:26,367 --> 00:15:28,600 {\an8}The price point is okay. 481 00:15:28,667 --> 00:15:29,344 {\an8}[Desiree] Okay. 482 00:15:29,368 --> 00:15:31,266 {\an8}There is a porch down below. 483 00:15:32,467 --> 00:15:35,343 This could be either a play room, 484 00:15:35,367 --> 00:15:37,200 dining room, family room. 485 00:15:37,800 --> 00:15:39,343 Here's a thought. 486 00:15:39,367 --> 00:15:40,243 What's your thought? 487 00:15:40,267 --> 00:15:42,000 What about if that was all living room, 488 00:15:43,667 --> 00:15:44,976 and this was the kitchen? 489 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,543 That would be a huge living room. 490 00:15:46,567 --> 00:15:47,876 - [Mike] It would be. - [Desiree] Could that work? 491 00:15:47,900 --> 00:15:49,443 - [Lisa] That's a big expense. - [Mike chuckling] Yeah. 492 00:15:49,467 --> 00:15:51,400 But if you're taking that kitchen out anyway... 493 00:15:51,467 --> 00:15:52,444 You have winning lottery numbers? 494 00:15:52,468 --> 00:15:54,142 If you're taking that kitchen out... 495 00:15:54,166 --> 00:15:55,043 You got a tip on the ponies? 496 00:15:55,067 --> 00:15:57,300 Why can't you put the cabinets here? 497 00:15:57,367 --> 00:15:59,300 With deep enough pockets, you can do anything. 498 00:16:00,066 --> 00:16:02,343 So, step outside, guys. 499 00:16:02,367 --> 00:16:05,343 It's not as noisy in the back as it is in the front. 500 00:16:05,367 --> 00:16:06,743 [Desiree] The yard's a decent size. 501 00:16:06,767 --> 00:16:07,767 [Lisa] Okay. 502 00:16:08,467 --> 00:16:10,443 Okay, so this way, this is 503 00:16:10,467 --> 00:16:12,000 a shared bathroom, 504 00:16:12,066 --> 00:16:14,242 or it could be your primary bathroom. 505 00:16:14,266 --> 00:16:16,100 [Desiree] This seems very unusual here. 506 00:16:16,567 --> 00:16:17,800 It seems unusual? 507 00:16:17,867 --> 00:16:19,700 - It is very unusual. - Yeah. 508 00:16:20,667 --> 00:16:22,543 {\an8}[Desiree] I feel like, um... 509 00:16:22,567 --> 00:16:24,976 {\an8}- I feel like there's... - this would have to be completely redone. 510 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:25,844 {\an8}[Mike] Mmm-hmm. 511 00:16:25,868 --> 00:16:26,943 [Lisa] And then, when we step up, 512 00:16:26,967 --> 00:16:28,843 - this would be the primary. - [Mike sighs] 513 00:16:28,867 --> 00:16:29,844 [Desiree] Okay. 514 00:16:29,868 --> 00:16:31,268 [Lisa] It's got nice, high ceilings. 515 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:33,700 The size is great. 516 00:16:33,767 --> 00:16:34,634 It just... 517 00:16:34,667 --> 00:16:36,667 There's not really much character here. 518 00:16:39,100 --> 00:16:41,042 - The bedrooms are down here? - [Lisa] Bedrooms are down here. 519 00:16:41,066 --> 00:16:42,626 There's three bedrooms, and a full bath. 520 00:16:44,767 --> 00:16:46,343 - [Desiree] Oh! - [Lisa] So what do you think of this size room? 521 00:16:46,367 --> 00:16:48,743 This is a really good-sized room. 522 00:16:48,767 --> 00:16:51,076 [Mike] You're all the way on the other side. 523 00:16:51,100 --> 00:16:52,443 I do like that, though. 524 00:16:52,467 --> 00:16:54,076 I think that's a plus, to be separate. 525 00:16:54,100 --> 00:16:55,000 The kids are playing, 526 00:16:55,066 --> 00:16:57,242 I don't, you know, don't hear them. 527 00:16:57,266 --> 00:16:58,143 Right. 528 00:16:58,167 --> 00:17:00,200 I think this would work for the kids. 529 00:17:00,266 --> 00:17:01,443 [Mike] Well, there's three bedrooms, 530 00:17:01,467 --> 00:17:04,076 so each kid would get their own bedroom, 531 00:17:04,100 --> 00:17:05,543 - which is... - Which is exactly what I was looking for. 532 00:17:05,567 --> 00:17:06,643 - One of the boxes. - Which is the goal. 533 00:17:06,667 --> 00:17:07,343 - Yeah. - Yeah. 534 00:17:07,367 --> 00:17:08,367 Yeah. 535 00:17:11,100 --> 00:17:12,460 [Desiree] I think it has potential. 536 00:17:13,066 --> 00:17:15,600 I think doing something with the kitchen, 537 00:17:15,667 --> 00:17:17,142 opening it up to the living room, 538 00:17:17,166 --> 00:17:18,600 to get that open concept 539 00:17:18,667 --> 00:17:19,943 would be ideal. 540 00:17:19,967 --> 00:17:21,643 That would be the first thing that I would want to do. 541 00:17:21,667 --> 00:17:22,667 It has four bedrooms, 542 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:24,600 which is exactly what I've been looking for, 543 00:17:24,667 --> 00:17:26,000 and it has two full baths. 544 00:17:26,066 --> 00:17:27,643 [Lisa] It doesn't have the charm that you like. 545 00:17:27,667 --> 00:17:30,242 [Desiree] Yes, the old home charm. 546 00:17:30,266 --> 00:17:31,700 You could make it what you want. 547 00:17:31,767 --> 00:17:34,343 It's just how long are you willing to live 548 00:17:34,367 --> 00:17:36,000 in a renovation with three kids? 549 00:17:44,367 --> 00:17:46,843 {\an8}Did you give yourself a timeline as to when, 550 00:17:46,867 --> 00:17:48,600 {\an8}you know, what your deadline is 551 00:17:48,667 --> 00:17:49,976 {\an8}to tell Lisa which house you chose? 552 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:52,543 {\an8}I would say, you know, by some time tomorrow 553 00:17:52,567 --> 00:17:54,443 {\an8}I'd like to be able to tell her. 554 00:17:54,467 --> 00:17:56,643 {\an8}[narrator] To get the space Desiree and her kids need, 555 00:17:56,667 --> 00:17:59,300 {\an8}she's got to decide whether character, price, 556 00:17:59,367 --> 00:18:02,000 {\an8}or doing projects takes precedent. 557 00:18:02,066 --> 00:18:04,500 {\an8}The updated ranch with the finished basement 558 00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:06,443 {\an8}makes the most sense. 559 00:18:06,467 --> 00:18:07,843 {\an8}It's move-in ready. 560 00:18:07,867 --> 00:18:09,147 {\an8}The backyard was a definite plus, 561 00:18:10,767 --> 00:18:15,400 {\an8}and having that extra, like, bonus 562 00:18:15,467 --> 00:18:18,000 - bar in the basement, that was fun. - [Mike] The bonus bar! 563 00:18:18,066 --> 00:18:19,543 - The bonus bar! - Hey, that's what you could name it! 564 00:18:19,567 --> 00:18:21,242 [chuckling] "The Bonus Bar." That was fun. 565 00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:23,343 It's just, every single room 566 00:18:23,367 --> 00:18:24,543 of that whole house... 567 00:18:24,567 --> 00:18:25,344 Was that same color. 568 00:18:25,368 --> 00:18:26,443 Was that same color, 569 00:18:26,467 --> 00:18:28,843 and there was also the situation with the kitchen 570 00:18:28,867 --> 00:18:31,900 that I didn't love, and I'm not sure, 571 00:18:31,967 --> 00:18:33,443 even with opening up that wall, 572 00:18:33,467 --> 00:18:35,900 if it's gonna give me the space that I really need. 573 00:18:35,967 --> 00:18:38,242 {\an8}- The historic home in downtown Toms River... - Mmm-hmm. 574 00:18:38,266 --> 00:18:40,306 {\an8}[Desiree] ...it had the original hardwood throughout, 575 00:18:41,367 --> 00:18:42,843 {\an8}but it only had three bedrooms. 576 00:18:42,867 --> 00:18:45,900 You know, even though I am against 577 00:18:45,967 --> 00:18:48,843 you being sold on, you know, an older home... 578 00:18:48,867 --> 00:18:50,076 Mmm-hmm. 579 00:18:50,100 --> 00:18:53,343 Putting a partition wall, and creating two out of one 580 00:18:53,367 --> 00:18:57,443 would be a relatively cheap and easy, you know, fix. 581 00:18:57,467 --> 00:19:00,400 [Desiree] But it didn't have two full baths. 582 00:19:00,467 --> 00:19:01,377 No. 583 00:19:01,401 --> 00:19:04,042 You still wouldn't have a kitchen. 584 00:19:04,066 --> 00:19:06,142 But I'd have room to have a kitchen. 585 00:19:06,166 --> 00:19:09,000 Even though the fixer-upper needs work, 586 00:19:10,166 --> 00:19:12,467 {\an8}it still had more charm 587 00:19:13,100 --> 00:19:15,142 {\an8}than the updated ranch. 588 00:19:15,166 --> 00:19:17,076 {\an8}I still believe, though, that that kitchen 589 00:19:17,100 --> 00:19:19,943 {\an8}could be brought into that lower sunroom area, 590 00:19:19,967 --> 00:19:21,543 and I think that if you 591 00:19:21,567 --> 00:19:24,300 opened up that kitchen, and made that all living room, 592 00:19:24,367 --> 00:19:26,443 it would look like a different house inside 593 00:19:26,467 --> 00:19:27,676 when you walked in. 594 00:19:27,700 --> 00:19:29,142 - [Mike] Well... - And being that it's priced so low, 595 00:19:29,166 --> 00:19:31,443 I would have the budget to do that. 596 00:19:31,467 --> 00:19:32,743 [Mike] Yeah. 597 00:19:32,767 --> 00:19:34,367 Life decisions are fun. 598 00:19:43,500 --> 00:19:45,500 [doorbell chiming] 599 00:19:45,567 --> 00:19:48,100 [Desiree] Can you, um, put my doors in? 600 00:19:48,166 --> 00:19:49,543 - [Mike] Can I? - [Desiree] Yeah, right now. 601 00:19:49,567 --> 00:19:52,100 I chose the historic home in downtown Toms River. 602 00:19:53,166 --> 00:19:55,643 {\an8}I really liked the character, the history, 603 00:19:55,667 --> 00:19:56,743 {\an8}the open floor plan. 604 00:19:56,767 --> 00:19:58,943 {\an8}It was very bright and inviting, 605 00:19:58,967 --> 00:19:59,844 {\an8}and it just... 606 00:19:59,868 --> 00:20:01,500 {\an8}I could see myself living here 607 00:20:01,567 --> 00:20:02,843 {\an8}for a long time with my kids. 608 00:20:02,867 --> 00:20:04,543 {\an8}I'm so glad you're putting that up. 609 00:20:04,567 --> 00:20:05,743 {\an8}Can you hand me one of those pins? 610 00:20:05,767 --> 00:20:07,343 {\an8}[Desiree] The list price was $330,000. 611 00:20:07,367 --> 00:20:09,000 {\an8}I ended up getting the home for $290,000, 612 00:20:09,367 --> 00:20:11,343 {\an8}because it was the seller's childhood home, 613 00:20:11,367 --> 00:20:13,600 {\an8}and they didn't want it to go to an investor. 614 00:20:13,667 --> 00:20:14,667 It looks good. 615 00:20:18,367 --> 00:20:19,767 I mean, it doesn't latch, but... 616 00:20:20,767 --> 00:20:21,600 [Mike chuckling] Yeah! 617 00:20:21,667 --> 00:20:23,100 [both laugh] 618 00:20:23,166 --> 00:20:25,343 Going into this home, if I didn't have Mike 619 00:20:25,367 --> 00:20:28,076 to advise me on what it needed, 620 00:20:28,100 --> 00:20:29,443 I wouldn't have felt as confident. 621 00:20:29,467 --> 00:20:32,600 I feel a little bit calmer going into this home, 622 00:20:32,667 --> 00:20:33,776 with all the projects. 623 00:20:33,800 --> 00:20:36,300 The kitchen, that's gonna be within the budget, 624 00:20:36,367 --> 00:20:38,800 now that I was able to get the home for so much less. 625 00:20:38,867 --> 00:20:39,867 Does it really not latch? 626 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:42,300 [chuckling] No, I don't know. It was, like, tricky. 627 00:20:42,367 --> 00:20:43,843 -[Mike] It does. You just gotta push it. -[Desiree] All right. 628 00:20:43,867 --> 00:20:46,543 So far, I've spent about $10,000 in renovations. 629 00:20:46,567 --> 00:20:49,500 Every level of hardwood floors have been refinished. 630 00:20:49,567 --> 00:20:51,500 We ended up painting every room, 631 00:20:51,567 --> 00:20:53,943 {\an8}and Mike put up a wall in the main bedroom 632 00:20:53,967 --> 00:20:56,200 {\an8}to make this three-bedroom into four. 633 00:20:56,266 --> 00:20:58,643 The main bathroom was really a disappointment, 634 00:20:58,667 --> 00:21:00,743 that I wasn't able to get one in this house, 635 00:21:00,767 --> 00:21:02,042 so down the road, 636 00:21:02,066 --> 00:21:04,200 we're going to take out a closet, 637 00:21:04,266 --> 00:21:06,643 and turn that into the main bath. 638 00:21:06,667 --> 00:21:08,147 - I kind of like that. - They're cool. 639 00:21:08,600 --> 00:21:09,600 You have a nice texture. 640 00:21:09,967 --> 00:21:11,543 And then, you don't have to paint that wall, either. 641 00:21:11,567 --> 00:21:14,900 I picture life being really peaceful here. 642 00:21:14,967 --> 00:21:16,643 {\an8}My children have their own space. 643 00:21:16,667 --> 00:21:18,142 {\an8}I see everybody 644 00:21:18,166 --> 00:21:20,843 {\an8}just really being content, and settled in. 645 00:21:20,867 --> 00:21:22,042 {\an8}At least the door looks good. 646 00:21:22,066 --> 00:21:23,100 {\an8}[Mike] Of course it does. 647 00:21:23,767 --> 00:21:25,343 {\an8}A true craftsman did it. 648 00:21:25,367 --> 00:21:26,600 {\an8}[Desiree] A master carpenter. 649 00:21:26,667 --> 00:21:27,667 {\an8}[both chuckle]